Be Thou My Vision

Biblical Authority Devotional: Hymns of Praise, Part 8

Steve Fazekas, AiG–U.S., discusses the importance of looking to Christ and His glory while contemplating this beloved hymn.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

When we hear the word vision, we might sometimes think of an apparition, a specter, a dream, or something other-worldly. Most of us would relegate these kinds of things to the paranormal rather than to everyday experience.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote about a certain kind of vision—not that of the paranormal or the extra-Biblical but a vision which could not been seen with physical eyes. Yet this vision is so real to the apostle that he referred to the unseen sights as things. “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). His reality included the realm of the unseen.

What did Paul “see”? What was it that captivated his senses? What was it that enthralled and filled his soul with joy unspeakable? His vision was “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). He saw it with spiritual eyes. He looked to the glory which can’t be seen with the senses.

Lest we think that this is an experience for the super-spiritual only, we must catch the words, “but we all.” It isn’t just the Pauls of the world who get to take it all in. The invitation is for all believers. In fact, the vision of the glory of God has such a transforming power on us, that we who gaze are also changed. We are “transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart—
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art:
Thou my best thought, by day or by night—
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word—
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true Son—
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise—
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart—
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.